IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS)

Volume 20, Issue 11, Ver. II (Nov. 2015) PP 72-78

e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845.
www.iosrjournals.org

Constraints to Jogging Trail Users Behavior:

Ashika B.A.D.W.1, Jayantha K.2
1,2

(Department of Sport Science and Physical Education/ University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka)

Abstract: Performing a physical activity on a regular basis will help to improve overall health and fitness, as
well as to decrease the risk for many chronic diseases. There have been many efforts to increase physical
activity which mostly focused on the individual. Jogging is the most commonly reported and the most accessible
form of leisure time physical activity among general public. However little is known about the factors that
influence Jogging as leisure time physical activity. The main purpose of this study was to identify Intrapersonal,
Interpersonal and Structural constraints that effect on jogging trail users behavior. Primary data were
collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed the data using Atlas ti 7.0.software. The study identified
that intrapersonal constraints such as motivation to walk, knowledge about walking and physical activity,
physical fitness, mental fitness, emotions on walking and time priority are mainly influenced on jogging trail
users behavior. Interpersonal constraints such as social support and advice, community norms, social
interaction, and social network directly affect g for jogging trail users behavior and finally Structural
constraints such as safety and maintenance of the trail, natural environment, Trail location, cleanliness,
amenity place characteristics and accessibility that straightly affect the Jogging trail users behavior.
Key words:Leisure Constraints, Intrapersonal Constraints, Interpersonal Constraints, Structural Constraints

I.

Introduction

Historical evidence says that the jogging was recommended for clergy by Dr. Kumarabachcha the
personal doctor of Lord Buddha for maintaining physical fitness of monks in 2500 years ago. The Lord Buddha
approved the suggestion made by Dr. Kumarabachcha and added some meditation part along with jogging
activities (Cullawaggapali Part (2), 1983, [1]). Moreover, the concept that leisure and recreation are beneficial
goes back to Aristotle, who viewed leisure as promoting contemplation, improved thinking, and excellence of
the mind Driver, Brown & Peterson (1991) cited by (Bright 2004, [2]), Prbstl (2010), indicated that social
functions are increasingly recognized and include not only recreation, but also a wide range of benefits such as
health, well-being and general quality of life. Cited by (Fredman 2012, [3]), Driver, B.; Brown, P. (1978) The
consumption of outdoor recreation products and services has long been viewed as the opportunity to engage in a
preferred activity in a certain place that provides the settings required to gain a desired experience, cited by
(Fredman 2012, [3]), The effects derived from outdoor recreation are universally positive and beneficial to
society Moore, R.L., Driver, B.L (2005) cited by (Fredman 2012, [3]).
1.1 Constraints
In modern era, Leisure constraints have been the focus of leisure researchers and practitioners since the
last three decades.Constraints can be described as anything that inhibits peoples ability to participate in leisure
activities, to spend more time doing so, to take advantage of leisure services, or to achieve a desired level of
satisfaction(Jackson 1988, [4]).Constraints have been defined as factors that limit or block participation in
leisure, or preferences for participation in specific activities (Jackson 1991) cited by (Balaska & Kouthouris
2014, [5]). Understanding constraints helps managers and researchers understand other facets of recreation and
leisure, including motivations, conflict, and satisfaction (Jackson 2000), which in turn improves the overall
quality of services cited by (Covelli 2006, [6]). Besides that understanding leisure constraints is important since
leisure constraints block the leisure participation and lead to latent demand (Crawford 1987, [7]).There are three
dimensions in leisure constraints viz. intrapersonal constraints, interpersonal constraints and structural
constraints. Crawford (1987) suggests that intrapersonal constraints fit with the definition of the psychological
mediators, cited by (Alexandris 2001, [8]) While lack of partners are interpersonal constraints. (Balaska &
Kouthouris 2014, [5]) and structural constraints consisted of political, economic, socio-cultural, ecological and
legal constraints (Covelli 2006, [6]).
The dimension of intrapersonal constraints is entailed skills(Bright 2004, [2]); (Jackson 1988, [4]);
disability (Henderson 1995, [9]); (Schleien1996, [10]); (Bedini 1991, [11]),(Lindstrom 2001, [12]) ability,
health and knowledge(Jackson 1988, [4]), illness (Lindstrom 2001, [12]); (Alexandris 1997, [13]). While the
dimension of interpersonal constraints cause partners(Balaska 2014, [5]);(Alexandris 1997, [13]), lower
DOI: 10.9790/0837-201127278

www.iosrjournals.org

72 | Page

Constraints to Jogging Trail Users Behavior:

socioeconomic groups (Lindstrom 2001, [12]), the Dimension of structural constraints is involved facilities and
transportation (Jackson 1988, [4]), (Lindstrom 2001, [12]).; time (Bright 2004, [2]); (Jackson 1988, [4]);
(McGuire 1986, [14]); (Searle 1985, [14]); (Scott 2002, [16]), (Godbey 2005, [16]), financial constraints(Bright
2004, [2]); (Jackson 1988, [4]); (Jackson 1993, [18]);(Lindstrom 2001, [12]), marital status (Gratton2000, [18]);
(Downward 2009, [20]); (Carroll 1997, [21]), cultural reasons (Covelli et al. 2006, [6])
Besides understanding the barriers for leisure constraints, researchers in the leisure industry have made
suggestions for overcoming the same. Accordingly (Lindstrom et al. 2001, [12]), suggested that the
improvements of the physical environment, physical exercise in groups instead of individuals, as well as
community and workplace policies may promote increased physical activity in a population. In addition to that
(Balaska & Kouthouris 2014, [5]) propose that if participation is to be increased, strategies should be developed
for the removal of intrapersonal and interpersonal constraints. Intrapersonal constraints can be removed with the
provision of appropriate sport programs that that fit with the individual needs of participants (e.g., programs for
beginners), the psychological support of participants (e.g., through personal training) and the provision of sport
education. Moreover, lack of partners related constraints can be removed with the promotion of the social
aspect of participation, through group sports, celebrations, social gatherings and parties (Alexandris 1998, [22]).

II. Methods And Materials

2.1 Working definitions
In order to maintain the consistency and guide the study the researchers set the following working
definition for this study.Constraints: Factors that are assumed by researchers and perceived or experienced by
individuals to inhibit or prohibit participation and full enjoyment of leisure and recreation pursuits. (Bright
2004, [2]). Intrapersonal: These include the individual psychological states and attributes that interact with
leisure preferences, such as stress, depression, anxiety, religiosity, kin and non-kin reference group attitudes,
prior socialization into specific activities, perceived self-skill, and subjective evaluation of the appropriateness
and availability of various leisure activities (Crawford et al. 1987, [7]). Interpersonal constraints: These
include lack of friends and family members to participate in a leisure activity (Crawford et al. 1987,
[7]).Structural constraints: include family-cycle stage, family financial resources, season, climate, the
schedule of work time, availability of opportunity, and reference group attitudes concerning the appropriateness
of certain activities (Crawford et al. 1987, [7]).Intrapersonal, Interpersonal and Structural dimensions of leisure
constraints were associated for the development of the semi-structured interviews.
2.2 Study area
The newly builtKiribathgoda-Dalupitiya Jogging Trail was selected for the study. The new facility
encourages the latent demand of the community towards the outdoor recreation activities. The trail uses for
jogging and other outdoor experiences such as graffiti writing (Peiris & Jayantha 2015, [23]), amenity
experiences as well.
2.3Sample
As the study was in qualitative nature, the researchers had to work with a limited sample size.
Therefore 30 number of people were selected randomly for interviews.
2.4 Data collection
Data were collected via semi-structured interviews in order to generate rich detailed data and were
conducted during the period of 25th to 28 of September 2014. The structure of the interviews was designed
according to the defined dimensions and the elements of the study. To reach the purpose desired, data were
collected through observations and secondary sources as well.
2.5 Coding, and categorizing the data
Transcriptionsof interviews, audio files, and other primary data were merged and then coded according
to the set definitions of the study by using the Atlas Ti software. At first selected them in to main categories
such as intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural constraints and then coded the sub categories accordingly.
The sub categories carefully selected as per the elements of the set working definitions.
2.6 Conceptualizing
Data were conceptualized based on the coded data by run the Atlas Ti software and the relationship as
per main categories as well as sub categories is shown in the Fig 01.

DOI: 10.9790/0837-201127278

www.iosrjournals.org

73 | Page

Constraints to Jogging Trail Users Behavior:

III. Results
As per the table 01 showed the basic demographic characteristics of the 30 interviewees of the study.
There were 70% of males and 30% of females participated in the survey. 90% of participants were employed
according to the survey data. There were only 13.3% of joggers who had either a degree or a diploma and 56.7%
of joggers who read their advanced level (A/L) studies while 16.7% of respondents had ordinary level (O/L)
education. The table further shows that 23.3% of the sample had income level of Rs.10, 000-30000. 13.3% had
30,000-50,000 income level, 16.7% were in between 50,000-75,000 income level and 43.3% earned more than
75000 Rupees of the sample. 20% of the sample were single while the majority (80%) of joggers were married.
The table 2 indicates the factors belongs to intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural constraints as per the
previous researchers identified.
Table 01: Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents
Characteristics

Total (N=30)

Age
15-30
30-45
45-60
More than 60
Gender
Male
Female
Education
Degree
Diploma
A/L
O/L
Family Income LKR

16.70%
40.00%
33.30%
10.00%
70.00%
30.00%
13.30%
13.30%
56.70%
16.70%

10,000-30,000
30,000-50,000
50,000-75,000
More than 75,000
Marital state
Married
Unmarried
Employability
Yes

23.30%
13.30%
16.70%
43.30%
80.00%
20.00%
90.00%

No

10.00%

Table 02: Constraints that Influence jogging trail users behavior

Intrapersonal Constraints

Interpersonal Constraints

Structural Constraints

Motivation to walk

Social support and advice

Aesthetic and scenery

Knowledge about walking and physical activity

Community norms

Natural environment

Mental fitness

Social interaction

Accessibility

Physical fitness

Social network

Located area and cleanliness

Emotion about walking

Safety and maintenance

Characteristic of place
Light

3.1 Intrapersonal Constraints

Some of the factors that affected jogging were individual level factors called intrapersonal constraints
which include physical fitness, mental fitness, routine and time priority, knowledge about walking and physical
activity, emotion about walking and motivation to walk. Most of the respondents had a positive perception
towards walking whileengaging some other types of physical activities.
Physical fitness: The participants had a great understanding of the benefits of walking, especially the health
related benefits of physical fitness consequences. Some participants were satisfied with the improved quality of
life as a results of being physically active.
Its difficult for us to run and play now. I was a sports man. Its difficult now as those days. Walking is easy. I
have sugar (meaning diabetics). Actually its easy to control my sugar from exercise rather than using
medicine
It helps me to maintain the activeness and the sugar level of my body. Thats why I do exercise especially.
DOI: 10.9790/0837-201127278

www.iosrjournals.org

74 | Page

Constraints to Jogging Trail Users Behavior:

Mental fitness: All the respondents mentioned that walking and jogging directly affected mental fitnessand
mental balance.
Doing jog or walk here is a psychological comfort
Routine and time priority: The respondentsspecified they had many responsibilities which may limit the time
that they can spend on physically active leisure time activities. They identified duties that include family and
household, work, community and neighbors, and lastly, oneself. More often the other commitments and
responsibilities limited the time they had for themselves. They felt that time for leisure time physical activity
must be taken when it is available which was however most likely what they gave up. Although the respondents
wanted to spend more time care of themselves in reality they took care of others. They expressed that they are
going to pay attention to physical activity such as walking and jogging.
We really come here when time available however. Hardly have I missed to come. This has become necessity
of our daily life. The time we spend here is not a waste
Knowledge about walking and physical activity: The participants had a healthier knowledge towardsphysical
activities and walking. In general the respondents knowledge of physical activity and walking were extensive.
The almost all the respondents understood that physical activity as a bodily movement.
I was a karate master. So I have a good knowledge about the necessary exercises for the body. Because of that
I come here 3-4 days per week.
Our bad food habits make us patients. We often use quick foods. They are springs of illnesses. I think physical
activities like walking and jogging helps to protect from diseases and to maintain and balanced the body
Emotion about walking: Almost all the respondents mentioned that they have a good emotion to do physical
activities like walking and jogging. They used terms like,not boring, I came here as myself, I want to get a
change etc.
It is not boring to walk here. It is free for the body. It is good for a defense to come here. This place is excellent
to get rid of our regular lives. This place makes me come here for my own necessity.
Motivation to walk: most of the respondent expressed that there are some characteristics to motivate them in
doing a physical activity. They used to say no traffic, pretty girls, crowded etc. as their motivation factors to
visit this place
Jogging here completely differs from doing it at a road or a house. There is less protection and much traffics
in roads. There is dust in roads. Therefore this place is more protective than a road. And pretty girls come here
and they attract us also
Through the respondents answer researchers identified the above intrapersonal constraintsthat are affecting
jogging trail users behavior.
3.2 Interpersonal Constraints
Social environmental factors that called interpersonal constraints included social support and advice,
community norms, social interaction and social network etc.
Social support and advice: Most respondents had a need for social support and had mixed feelings about
receiving advice from others. In general they expressed that giving advice about being healthy is probably right,
though they may not want to hear it. Many respondents talked with others and received encouragements from
others are directly affecting to their walking.
Both my son and daughter are doctors. They look after us well. They advise me to involve in such exercise. I
come here due to their persuasion
Friends asked me to jog in the jogging track near my place. They advise me to do so because of my
hugebelly.
Social network: Some respondents voiced that they are jogging to build-up social network. Some of them
haveknown about the trail through gossips. Some of them come there with family members whileothers come
alone. It is clear that majority of the participants are doing their physical activities on the trail as a result of
social network motives.

DOI: 10.9790/0837-201127278

www.iosrjournals.org

75 | Page

Constraints to Jogging Trail Users Behavior:

I come here with my family members. We knew this place through gossips. There is only a little crowd here
when we came at first. You can see now crowded in here. I come here even without my family members to meet
people.
Social interaction: mostly people like to be with the same behavior and same class also. This place tent to be a
place for people with such attitudes. The researchers observations and the respondents expressions
demonstrate the place belongings to specific social category.
This place and people who come here are really decent. We can associate a large number of
respectable people here. Its a trend to society to come such places.
Community norms: Walking was identified as a behavior that has become more popular within the
communities. The respondent expressed that people of all ages, both genders, healthy and unhealthy are willing
to be here.
There is only a little crowd here when we come at first. You can see now crowd in here
3.3 Structural Constraints
Structural constraints that influenced walking included accessibility, natural environment, safety and
maintain, characteristic of places, aesthetic and scenery, locationof area and cleanliness and light etc.
Accessibility: majority ofpeople mentioned that accessibility drives them to doing physical activity. All most all
people mentioned accessibility is directly influenced on their jogging experience in this trail. They used terms
like Easy, near and access.
Because I live nearby. It is only 100 m away from my home
Most of people in the sample livewithin a 1km buffer zone and they do not like to use other physical exercising
facilities even though they are closed to their residence.They hate to use main roads for jogging activities
because of dusty, noisy and safety. The parking facilities adjoin to the jogging trail influence for participation.
Natural environment: number of respondents mentioned that natural environmental factors directly influence
their physical activities. Diverse naturel environmental factors induce participants to involve in jogging or
walking or other type of physical activities.
Safety and maintenance: Safety was one of a major concerningfactor in the sample community. Safety
issues that were mentioned, included fear of other people, fear of injury, fear from unattended animals
and concern about traffic flow (especially for those who walking on the streets). They used terms
safety and well maintain synonymously.
This place is really good. They are well maintained. Because of well maintenance and safety, people are
induced to doing physical activity here. And I feel safe as far as no traffic on the road
Characteristics of places: The respondents identified characteristics of walking trail that make it an accessible
of exercise almost anyone could do. For example, they felt that walking was a natural activity, it has less
strenuous than other types of physical activities, natural features are very important to doing jogging. They used
terms like wind, ventilation, no dust, lake in both side, and faunae environment.
I really like this place. I can see a lot of beautiful faunae here such as birds and fish. We as urban people can
see such things only in places like this. It is a psychological comfort. There is very good ventilation more than
other places in the city,
Light: The respondents felt that there were characteristics of the physical environment surrounding the track
that may facilitate or inhibit track use. Lighting conditions on the trail directly affect the trail use.
Sola power lighting system is really soft and good for both public and the environment. It is really beautiful
here with lights at night. Need to walk from the beginning to end if you want to feel it
Through the respondents answers, researchers identified the above structural constraints that affect the jogging
trail users behavior. The summary of all these factors is shown below in fig. 01.

DOI: 10.9790/0837-201127278

www.iosrjournals.org

76 | Page

Constraints to Jogging Trail Users Behavior:

Fig. 01: Summery of the Constrains to Jogging users behaviour

IV. Conclusion
As documentary facts say jogging has being used since historic era by means of both physical and
mental health of mankind. Considering the importance of and contemporary nature of stimulation towards
jogging this study was conducted. The present work investigated the influential factors for jogging behavior in
qualitative nature. Interview method was employed to understand the original nature of constraints for jogging
participation since the constraints may differ on socio-cultural, environmental and other factors. The main
factors exposed by previous researchers that lead to block the leisure participation viz. intrapersonal,
interpersonal and structural constraints could find in the present study but in deferent phenomenal. More factors
could identified with relate to the structural and intrapersonal constraints than the interpersonal constraints. The
nature of the study area that confined to jogging activities and it is behave itself as an individual experience may
be the reason for lesser factor identification and it leads limitation of the findings. The first footstep towards
making a quality jogging trail with satisfied customers that identification of constraints for jogging participation
was done by this study. However further investigation should be conducted to recognize the nature of their
relationship to jogging trail uses behavior.

References
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]

[7]
[8]
[9]

Cullawaggipali Part (2): The forth book in the Vinaya Pitakaya, Democratic Socialist Republican Government of Sri Lanka,
Buddhist Cultural Centre, 125, Andwsan road, Nandimala, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka, 1983.
L. Bright, Perceived Benifits, Constraints, and Negotiations Strategies of Skiers and Snowboarders with Disabilities, University
of Florida, 2004.
P. Fredman,U. Romild, M. Yuan, andD. Wolf-watz, Latent demand and time contextual constraints to outdoor recreation in
Sweden,Forests, 3(1), 2012, 121,http://doi.org/10.3390/f3010001.
E.L. Jackson, Leisure constraints: A survey of past research. Leis. Sci., 1988, 10, 203-215.
P. Balaska, and C. Kouthouris, Promoting Sport Participation in Greece: Issues and Challenges. International Journal of Sport
Management, Recreation and Tourism, 13, 2014, 6384. http://doi.org/10.5199/ijsmart-1791-874X-13d.
E.A. Covelli, R. C. Burns, andA. Graefe, Perceived Constraints by Non-traditional Users on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National
Forest,Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium, 2006, 422429. Retrieved from http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/gtr/gtr_nrsp-14/55-covelli-p-14.pdf
D. W. Crawford, andG. Godbey, Re-conceptualizing barriers to family leisure,Leisure Sciences, 9, 1987, 119-127.
K. Alexandris, Perceived constraints and motivation for recreational sport participation: evaluating their
relationship,International Journal, (1993), 2001.
K.A. Henderson, L.A. Bedini, L. HechtandR. Schuler, Women with physical disabilities and the negotiation of leisure
constraints,Leisure Studies, 14, 1995, 17-31.

DOI: 10.9790/0837-201127278

www.iosrjournals.org

77 | Page

Constraints to Jogging Trail Users Behavior:

[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
[17]
[18]
[19]
[20]
[21]
[22]
[23]

S. J. Schleien, P.A. Germ, andL. H. McAvoy, Inclusive community leisure: Recommended professional practices and barriers
encountered,Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 30(4), 1996, 260-273.
L.A. Bedini, Modern day freaks?: The exploitation of people with disabilities,Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 25, 1991, 61-70.
M. Lindstrom, B. S. Hanson, and P. O. Ostergren, Socioeconomic differences in leisure-time physical activity: the role of social
participation and social capital in shaping health related behavior,Social Science & Medicine, 52, 2001, 441-451.
K. Alexandris, andB. Carroll, Demographic differences in the perception of constraints on recreational sport participation: results
from a study in Greece,Leisure Studies, 16, 1997, 107-125.
F. McGuire, D. Dottavio, andL. OLeary, Constraints to participation in outdoor recreation across the life span: A nation-wide
study of limitors and prohibitors. Gerontologist, 26, 1986, 538-544.
M. Searle, andE. Jackson, Recreation non-participation and barriers to participation: Consideration for the management of
recreation delivery systems,Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 3,1985, 23-25.
D. Scott, Social roles and leisure constraints, Abstracts from the Canadian Congress on leisure research, In Proceedings of the
Canadian Congress on Leisure Research (CCLR), Edmonton, Alberta, Canda, 2225 May 2002; pp. 104-106.
G. Godbey, Time as a constraint to leisure. In Constraints to Leisure; Jackson, E.L., Ed.; Venture Publishing: State College, PA,
USA, 2005; pp. 185-200.
E.L. Jackson, D.W. Crawford, andG. Godbey, Negotiation of leisure constraints,Leisure Sciences, 15, 1993, 1-11.
C. Gratton, andP. Taylor, The economics of sport and recreation, London: E & FN Spon, 2000.
P. Downward, A. Dawson, andT. Dejonghe, Economics of sport: theory, evidence and policy. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann,
2009.
B. Carroll, andK. Alexandris, Perception of constraints and strength of motivation: Their relation to recreational sport
participation,Journal of Leisure Research, 29, 1997, 279-299.
K. Alexandris, and B. Carroll, The relationship between selected demographic variables and recreational sport participation in
Greece,International Review for Sociology of Sport, 33(3), 1998, 291-297.
D. L. I. H. Peiris, K. Jayantha,A Case Study on Emotion Types of Graffiti Writers in Jogging Paths , Sri Lanka, IOSR Journal of
Humanities and Social Sciences (IOSR-JHSS), 20(7), 2015, 6367, e-ISSN:2279-0837, P-ISSN:2279-0845,
www.iosrjournals.org.

DOI: 10.9790/0837-201127278

www.iosrjournals.org

78 | Page